Welcome to Prague

The enchanting metropolis of Prague ranks amongst Europe’s best-preserved capitals. It’s a metropolis of fairy story structure, magnificent artwork and a number of the world’s finest beer. Come alongside as we tour the Czech capital by means of gorgeous pictures.

The Vltava River

The longest river within the Czech Republic, the Vltava River, flows by means of the center of Prague and has performed a key function within the growth of the capital metropolis. The river divides Decrease City (Malá Strana) from Outdated City (Staré Mĕsto) and the trendy neighborhoods of Prague.

Take a cruise alongside the river for a number of the finest views of the town’s skyline whereas passing beneath the 17 bridges that span the river.

Prague Fortress

Prague Fortress (Pražský hrad) stands above the town as its most eye-catching landmark. The citadel is comprised of a number of completely different buildings relationship from the tenth to the twentieth centuries, together with a towering cathedral and the Outdated Royal Palace the place Bohemian royalty as soon as lived. The citadel holds the Guinness World Report as the most important historical citadel advanced.

Better Pálffy Backyard

Virtually as spectacular because the citadel itself are the encompassing palace gardens. The terraced Better Pálffy Backyard has been stored in its unique Baroque grandeur.

Deer Moat

The citadel’s sprawling grounds embody some inexperienced areas that may make you’re feeling removed from the bustling metropolis. The Deer Moat (Jelení příkop) alongside the north facet of the citadel was as soon as a non-public looking floor for the king. You received’t discover any stag lately on this public park, now identified for its bucolic pathways.

Charles Bridge

Whereas 17 bridges cross the river in Prague, none is kind of so well-known because the Charles Bridge (Karlův most). The bridge was accomplished in 1390, constructed by younger German architect Peter Parler. Over the centuries, monuments have been erected alongside the bridge, together with a crucifix added in 1657 and a statue of St. John of Nepomuk in 1683.

To see the bridge at its prettiest (i.e. at its emptiest), plan your go to round daybreak.

Outdated City Sq.

Prague’s Outdated City Sq. (Staroměstské náměstí) was established within the twelfth century and has since change into one of the traditionally vital locations within the metropolis. A few of Prague’s most notable landmarks line the sq., together with the Outdated City Corridor, Church of Our Girl earlier than Týn, Church of St. Nicholas and Kinský Palace.

Search for the Artwork Nouveau statue of Jan Hus in the course of the sq., erected in 1915 in honor of the non secular reformer.

Petřín Hill

Petřín Hill, one of many largest inexperienced areas in Prague, can also be a great spot for a breath of recent air and a few spectacular panoramic views of the town. The park is dwelling to a rose backyard, mirror labyrinth and a lookout tower long-established after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Climb the 299 steps to the highest for even higher views.

Střelecký ostrov

Of the twelve islands on the Vltava River, Střelecký Island ranks among the many hottest, Related to each shores by a bridge, the island is thought for its glorious views, romantic environment and calendar full of cultural occasions. In the summertime months, the island hosts an out of doors cinema.

Wallenstein Backyard

This geometrically laid-out Baroque backyard was constructed alongside Wallenstein Palace within the 1620s. The free attraction is a well-liked spot to take in some sunshine within the Lesser City. Spend a while admiring the carp within the decorative pond and its high quality assortment of statuary.

Cathedral of St Vitus

Inside Prague Fortress, St. Vitus Cathedral towers as one of the vital non secular constructions within the Czech Republic. It is the place kings and queens had been coronated and saints and sovereigns had been laid to relaxation. Whereas the cathedral was based in 1344, building on the present Gothic construction was not accomplished till 1929.

Malá Strana

Malá Strana, or the Lesser Quarter, is known as for its location simply beneath Fortress Hill. As soon as a neighborhood for the town’s the Aristocracy, Malá Strana now homes museums, eating places, bars and gardens.

Vítkov

One other glorious spot for panoramic views over Prague is from the highest of Vítkov Hill. It’s exhausting to overlook the Nationwide Monument, constructed right here in 1929, that includes a bronze statue of Czech common Jan Žižka atop his horse. The statue ranks among the many 10 largest equestrian statues on this planet.

Dancing Home

Prague isn’t simply identified for its historic structure. Fashionable architects Vlado Milunić and Frank O. Gehry collaborated on the Nationale Nederlanden constructing, additionally known as the Dancing Home, in 1996. As of late, the constructing homes a luxurious lodge with a top-floor restaurant and stellar views of Prague Fortress.

Wenceslas Sq.

For those who’re assembly somebody in Prague, there’s a superb likelihood you’ll meet them at Wenceslas Sq.. This industrial and administrative heart of the town, extra a boulevard than a typical sq., is lined with eating places, outlets, inns, banks and theaters. It’s additionally the situation of the Nationwide Museum and a monumental statue of the nationwide patron St. Wenceslas.

The Outdated New Synagogue

In-built 1270, the Outdated New Synagogue is Europe’s oldest remaining Jewish synagogue and considered one of Prague’s biggest Gothic buildings. The construction has served as the principle place of worship for Prague’s Jewish neighborhood for greater than seven centuries.

Memorial Kafka

This contemporary memorial to Czech author Franz Kafka sits in Prague’s enterprise district. The 39-ton bust was created by artist David Černý and is comprised of 42 tiers of mechanized, rotating panels. Kafka, writer of “The Trial” and “The Metamorphosis,’ spent a lot of his life in Prague.

Troja Château

The Bohemian citadel often called Troja Château was inbuilt an extravagant Baroque model in 1679, although building continued for a number of many years. Immediately, the magnificent property is dwelling to the Metropolis Gallery. Step inside to admire the trompe l’oeil ceiling and the artwork assortment inside.

Kino Lucerna

Kino Lucerna, considered one of Prague’s most lavish and historic Artwork Nouveau buying arcades, can also be dwelling to the oldest everlasting cinema in Bohemia, based in 1909.

Havlíček Gardens

Wander by means of Havlíček Gardens and also you’ll discover fountains, statues, pavilions, lakes and a scenic grotto, all impressed by the Italian Renaissance. Seize a espresso from the backyard café when you’re there.

Prague in autumn

Autumn ranks among the many finest occasions of yr to go to Prague, due to the gentle climate, sparser crowds and exquisite fall foliage. A number of vital festivals are held throughout this time as nicely, together with Saint Wenceslas Truthful honoring the patron saint of the Czech Republic and the Prague Autumn Worldwide Music Competition.

Christmas in Prague

From late November by means of early January, Prague performs host to a number of conventional Christmas markets promoting handicrafts, ornaments, picket toys and different items. These markets are additionally identified for his or her seasonal treats, like gingerbread, smoked dumplings and a cylindrical pastry rolled in vanilla sugar and walnuts, often called a trdelnik.